ALICE, Texas (AP) — A South Texas police dog is dead and his handler has been fired after the animal was left in a hot patrol car for more than 20 hours.

Jim Wells County Sheriff Oscar Lopez told reporters that Deputy Latham Roldan was initially placed on administrative leave Monday after the death of Jola, his K-9 partner. Lopez said Roldan was fired Tuesday after an internal investigation determined that Roldan had left the dog in the car.

According to a post on the Jim Wells County Sheriff’s Facebook page, Jola had been a member of the team since 2012.

JWSD K9 Division (Courtesy: Jim Wells County Sheriff/Facebook)

“We want to remind the public to please watch their pets and animals, especially in these extreme temperatures and that our department will remain transparent in dealing with this matter,” the Facebook post continued.

The case will be sent over to the County Attorney’s Office for review.

No working number was listed for Roldan and he couldn’t be reached for comment.